PUBLIC LANDS – In response to the militant takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, rallies in support of federal public lands are being planned in several Northwest cities, including Spokane.

A rally involving several environmental and outdoor recreation groups play a short demonstration for noon on Tuesday at the Federal Building, 920 W. Riverside Ave. in downtown Spokane.

Rally organizers say they want to “show that the grand majority of the public supports keeping America’s parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands in public hands.”